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There is no simple answer as to why a teen may turn to drugs or alcohol. It is an age filled with turmoil and a range of emotions. Hormones are changing day to day and the internal and external stressors are in constant state of imbalance. Teens are dealing with the overnight transition from child to adult and it takes quite a toll on their self esteem. With all these changes in hormones and lifestyle, they may feel a loss of self control and develop an inability to cope.

The numb feeling one may experience through drug or alcohol use may seem to make the troubles of there ever conflicting world disappear. Teens are at serious risk for losing self control as their self esteem is often faltering and they may sense a feeling of aloneness. Being a teen brings with it such a wide array of emotions. All of these emotions become so incredibly difficult to manage and to put into place that it is easy to become overwhelmed. Teens often develop a feeling of solitude and feel no one out there can possibly to relate to the way that they are feeling.

Alcohol and drugs are a normal presence within the highschool community. With the easy access and the large number of peers that are users, teens may feel that it is an easy option for them. When they have many friends that are using and raving about how wonderful they feel high it is only normal for them to want to try as well. It becomes an option when it is easily accessed and friends or possibly family members are validating its use.

When life reaches a point where it feels as if there is nothing else to be done to get you through it, alcohol or drugs may seem like the logical answer. It is easier to numb feeling of pain and strong emotion, then actually have to live through them. With all the turmoil present in the teen years, it is only natural for them to turn to them to help get them through their tough times. The big problem is, many substances are so highly addictive it ends up digging them a hole that only gets deeper and deeper. The risk for addiction is so incredibly high with teens, because they are truly not emotionally stable at that time. Substance abuse is so common because of this reason, and they become addicts.

In time of great emotional distress, it is so important for teens to try to find some other field of distraction as to avoid any drug use. It is not an easy time in ones life, and drug use will only make it far worse.

Learn more about this author, Liz Lagerstedt.
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